Aging is a process toward 'completion.' Where two philosophies meet.

[Series: Philosophy of Aging] Part 4

Over the past three installments, we have looked at Jankélévitch's philosophy of death and Genpei Akasegawa's 'Rojinryoku' (the power of the elderly).

This time, we will integrate the two. We will also take a slightly critical look at what modern anti-aging culture overlooks.

→ For those reading from Part 1, click here

Chapter 4: Where two philosophies meet

Why Jankélévitch and the power of the elderly are connected

One is a French philosopher, the other a Japanese avant-garde artist. Their eras, nationalities, and approaches are completely different. Yet, these two point to a surprisingly similar place.

To summarize in one sentence: Aging is the process by which the finitude of time is inscribed into the body and mind, and it is precisely in this process that the unique richness brought by finitude—the deepening of sensitivity, focus on the present, liberation from attachments, and a different sense of time—blossoms.

The concrete process of aging embodies what Jankélévitch meant when he said, 'Finitude gives meaning to life.' The power of the elderly is the form of richness that emerges from that embodiment.

Aging is a process toward the 'completion of finitude'

Let me put this somewhat boldly: Is aging not the process by which a human being 'completes themselves as a finite existence'?

When we are young, finitude is somewhat abstract. We know in our heads that we will die someday. But as a daily reality, it feels distant. Therefore, even if finitude exists as knowledge, it is difficult to make it the foundation of how we live.

Aging transforms this abstract knowledge into a matter of the body and existence. As changes in the body, the realistic proximity of death, and the realization of the preciousness of time accumulate, the fact of being a 'finite existence' seeps from mere intellectual knowledge into the very way we live.

The philosophy of the power of the elderly points in the same direction. Forgetting, the fading of obsessions, slowing down—these are all forms of liberation from the 'aspiration toward the infinite.' The power of the elderly can be said to be the acceptance of finitude with the body, and the richness that is born from that acceptance.

Wisdom that only the elderly possess

There is another positive aspect of aging that is often overlooked: the wisdom born from the accumulation of experience.

Certain kinds of insight cannot be gained without the passage of time. Deep empathy for the pain of others does not reach its true depth unless one has experienced suffering oneself. A sense of impermanence only takes root as a lived reality after many partings and losses. These insights are a unique richness of aging that cannot be replaced by youth.

The fact that the elderly have been considered symbols of wisdom in many cultures is not merely tradition. It reflects the insight that aging changes the very quality of perception.

What anti-aging overlooks

Here, I would like to think critically for a moment about contemporary anti-aging culture.

A culture that treats aging as an 'enemy to be overcome' excludes from the outset the inherent meaning and value that aging can possess. To borrow the words of Jankélévitch, attempting to eliminate finitude also eliminates the depth of life that is granted by that very finitude.

Of course, medical efforts to protect the health of the elderly are legitimate. Alleviating the suffering of illness and maintaining physical function are important. What I am criticizing is not that, but rather the cultural attitude that denies aging itself and establishes youth as the sole standard of value.

Affirming aging and maintaining health are not contradictory. What is important is an attitude that does not deny aging as mere decline, but rather aims to live more richly while recognizing its inherent meaning and value.

Aging is the 'completion of an irreplaceable life'

To summarize the discussion so far, there are four grounds for viewing aging positively.

1. Aging is positive proof of having lived through time

2. The changes that accompany aging—forgetfulness, the disappearance of fixations, and slowness—can be positively interpreted as liberation from attachments, concentration on the present, and the acquisition of a different sense of time

3. The awareness of the proximity of death sharpens sensitivity

4. The accumulation of experience brings wisdom that cannot be replaced by youth

Taken together, it can be said that aging is the process by which a human being moves toward their true form as a finite existence.

The final installment will show that this philosophy also lives on in contemporary music. I will philosophically interpret four songs by Fujii Kaze: 'Kaerou,' 'Matsuri,' 'Kiri ga nai kara,' and 'Michiteyuku.'

Only the final installment is paid (300 yen). I have written the most exciting part of this series, where philosophy and music intersect.

→ To Part 5 (Paid) 'Fujii Kaze Knew'

#Philosophy #Aging #Finitude #AntiAging #FrenchPhilosophy